Judicial candidates emphasize experience

Lawyers hosted lawyers Thursday to hear what candidates for judicial races in the area had to say.

The nine candidates for 47th District judge all emphasized their ranges of experience with various types of cases and their desire to serve the public.

In addition, several, including Democrat Adrian Castillo and Republicans Robert Love and Stewart Werner, said they wanted to make the courtroom more accessible for lawyers and their clients by making themselves more available.

"It shouldn't take several months to get a hearing on a civil case," Love said.

Keeping cases moving through the court on a timely basis was an issue emphasized by Republican Ana Estevez and Castillo.

Republican Hal Miner said he would not be the sort of judge who "treats you like a stepchild."

Ted Wood and Perry Peek, also Republicans, echoed that sentiment.

Republican Dave Kemp stressed his public service as a prosecutor since 1986 and his even temper.

Experience versus a need for a change was the basis for the remarks of the Republican candidates for 320th District judge.

Melinda Mayo said audience members should ask themselves if the court was being run the way it should and if the attorneys wanted another four years of that.

Incumbent Don Emerson stood on his 16-year record and experience. He said that since his office began keeping computerized records in 1988, he had disposed of more than 23,000 cases

Democrat Tom Johnson introduced himself as an attorney who has practiced "street law" for 14 years, pursuing cases from criminal to family law.